UK Rescue Choppers Spell Out Giant Christmas Tree Over Dartmoor
A UK Search and Rescue helicopter crew pulled off a festive stunt by flying a huge Christmas tree shape over Dartmoor during a routine training flight. The eye-catching design lit up FlightRadar24, stretching from Okehampton in the north right down near Ivybridge.
Festive Fun Meets Serious Training
Bristow Helicopters, who operate the UK rescue choppers, confirmed the flight was an authorised, low-level navigational training session. A spokesperson said:
“UK Search and Rescue teams are constantly training, and on this occasion, they planned a particularly seasonal route for their routine helicopter exercises. This gave them the chance to create what could be the largest Christmas tree in the UK whilst keeping their vital lifesaving skills sharp—ready to respond 24/7.”
Mixed Reactions to Sky-High Christmas Cheer
While many praised the creative Christmas spirit, others slammed the stunt amid rising living costs and fuel worries. Critics called the flight a waste of precious resources. One furious commenter said:
“What a waste of fuel and to think of all those elderly people who can’t heat their houses, absolutely disgusting…”
But Bristow stood firm, stressing the flight was an official training exercise with a dash of festive fun.
The Biggest Christmas Tree in the UK?
- Flight radar aficionados spotted the tree shape in impressive detail online.
- The route covered a vast stretch of picturesque Dartmoor National Park.
- This unique exercise blended essential rescue readiness with a seasonal twist.
Whether you loved it or loathed it, the giant Christmas tree flight has certainly put UK Search and Rescue in the Christmas spotlight.
